60th Annual Fireman's Dance Falls Victim To Irene

The Fireman's Dance, originally scheduled for next weekend, has fallen victim to Irene.

"Due to the effects of tropical storm Irene, the officers and members of Madison Hose Co. No. 1 regret to inform our friends and neighbors that this year's 60th annual Fireman's Dance has been cancelled. Our venue, the Madison Beach Club, has suffered damage and structural engineers are currently assessing the building and property. While we regret to announce the cancellation of our annual fundraiser, we thank the public for their generosity. Anyone requesting a refund of their donation may contact Madison Hose Co. No. 1, PO Box 653, Madison, CT, 06443."

I think that's nice they are offering refunds, but you know what we should do, right? Not ask for a refund and, in fact, send in a little more. Twenty seven men from this company braved Irene to rescue people from gas leaks, take them to get medical assistance, and on numerous other calls. They worked as their own dispatch operation to conserve resources. They used their own equipment to cut through felled trees to free people who were blocked in on their own streets and could not get out.

So, what do you say? Time to show them a little more support?

Madison Hose Co. No. 1, PO Box 673, Madison, CT, 06443.

And while we're at it, maybe we could figure out a way to have the dance anyway, if that's something the firefighters want. Ideas, anyone?